Police believe a dangerous knifeman is attacking teenagers, but took two weeks to warn the public.

A 19-year-old man was threatened by a man who held a six inch blade to his throat on Saturday September 6, in Alexandra Park, Hastings.

Five days later a second teenager was threatened in Mount Pleasant Road, and was cut on the hand and chest.

Sussex Police believe the same man was responsible for both attacks. Despite the serious nature of the crimes did not warn the public or appeal for witnesses until this afternoon.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said there was “no good reason” why the public had not been informed earlier.

Detective Constable Naomi Morrison said: "Although neither victim has suffered any serious injury, both are understandably shaken by what happened.

"Although the incidents happened a distance apart we believe the same man could be responsible for both.

"We need to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw either the attacks or a man fitting the description of the robber. If you know who the robber is or where he could be, please contact us urgently."

The knifeman in the first incident was described as about 5ft8ins to 5ft9ins tall and average build. He had his hood up and was wearing a scarf over his face.

In the second attack, on Thursday September 11, the knifeman was described as white, in his early 30s, skinny and 5ft 6 to 5ft 8ins. He had a short dark stubbly beard and was wearing a plain black zip-up hooded top with the hood up.

Anyone with information should call 101.